Holiday Film Fest: Five Favorite Holiday Films

With Christmas only days away and Hannukah in full swing, find some old favorites and discover some new holiday movies from this list.

The Muppet Christmas Carol

The Muppets have undergone something of a renaissance with the release of their first movie in twelve years. Check out this Muppet holiday favorite!Michael Caine stars as Scrooge with Kermit the Frog as Bob Cractchit, Miss Piggy as Mrs. Cratchit. The Great Gonzo as Charles Dickens provides narration and commentary and is assisted by Rizzo the Rat who provides his New York humor in Dickensian London. Fozzie the Bear plays “Fozziwigg” and everyone’s favorite grumpy old men Staler and Waldorf play the “Marley Brothers” who come to warn Scrooge. Featuring some great and charming songs and signature Muppet humor, this film still holds true to Dickens’ tale of holiday redemption. (Librarian’s Note: This is a must watch every Christmas in my house!)

White Christmas

More than just the hit Bing Crosby song! This fabulous movie musical combines a stellar cast- Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera Ellen- with a charming storyline. Crosby and Kaye are WWII veterans who now work as night club entertainers. They team up with Rosemary Clooney and Vera Ellen, sisters who are also entertainers. They all go to Vermont to the ski-lodge run by Crosby and Kaye’s former commanding General. The problem is that Vermont is suffering from a lack of snow. To bring people in they all decide to create a show and perform it at the Lodge. Featuring the great songs, “Sisters”, “We’ll Follow the Old Man”, “Mandy”, and “Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep” this classic Christmas movie will become a favorite you’ll want to watch every year!

Adam Sandler’s Eight Crazy Nights

While perhaps it’s better known for the song, Adam Sandler’s Eight Crazy Nights is one of the only Hanukkah movies released that is suitable (or given his humor- not suitable) for adults. Even in  animated form, Adam Sandler is trouble. He lands in jail and is bailed out by his former Basketball referee. Despite his rescue, his character Davey continues to find trouble. Will Davey ever get it together and find some holiday spirit?

It’s A Wonderful Life

This is a true holiday chesnut. James "Jimmy" Stewart plays George Bailey, who after a financial mix up plans to kill himself on Christmas Eve. A divine appearance of an angel Clarence (played by Henry Travers) shows George what life would have been like had he never been born. George sees a desperate world and realizes that even though things are not easy, it is still a wonderful life!

The Nutcracker (NYCB Version)

While a new version of this production was just broadcast on Great Performances it is not yet available on DVD. This version starring a young Macauley Culkin is available. It is a recording of the performance as it’s played every year at the New York City Ballet. It is Christmas Eve young Clara and her family are celebrating at home with friends and family. As part of the festivities, Clara’s godfather, Herr Drosselmier appears. He gives Clara a handsome nutcracker that her younger brother Fritz spitefully breaks. Clara sneaks out to sleep in the living room with her beloved Nutcracker. A midnight visit for Herr Drosselmier brings all the Nutcracker’s magic to life! Mice and snowflakes dance and a beautiful Sugar Plum Fairy rules over a land of sweets!

Happy Holidays to all from the !